Environmental Certifications

Worldwide, there are numerous environmental regulations and guidelines – set forth by the private sector and government – that Panasonic strives to meet, including EPEAT, ISO 14000, RoHS and Energy Star. Panasonic is not only dedicated to meeting these standards but also to surpassing them.

RoHS

All Panasonic products since 2006 have been compliant with one of the most rigid directives, the European Union's Restriction on Use of Certain Hazardous Substances, which greatly limits the use of lead, mercury, cadmium and other dangerous materials in electronics.

EPEAT

All Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers are certified by an environmental impact scoring system known as the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). The program is overseen by a board of eco-advocates, electronics recyclers and others to help purchasers compare and evaluate computer desktops, laptops and monitors based on their environmental attributes. EPEAT grades factors such as elimination of environmentally-sensitive materials and energy conservation. A Bronze-rated product meets all 23 required criteria. A Silver-rated product meets all 23 required criteria plus at least 50% of the optional criteria. A Gold-rated product meets all 23 required criteria and at least 75% of the optional criteria. All Toughbook computer models are either gold- or silver-rated, ensuring the highest level of environmental performance.

ISO 14000

Many Panasonic products are compliant with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) rules dealing with reducing energy use, limiting waste and increasing recycling. In accordance with ISO 14000 standards, Panasonic has also established an environmental control policy to continually monitor environmental performance as well as educate employees about these procedures.

ENERGY STAR

Panasonic's Toughbook mobile computers, Fax Machines, Multi-Function Machines and Scanners have earned the ENERGY STAR seal of approval. ENERGY STAR, a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, offers voluntary certification for products that are energy efficient. Panasonic is proud of its involvement with ENERGY STAR because the program has substantially reduced greenhouse gasses and saved consumers $16 billion on utility bills in 2007 alone.